Obstetrics Flashcards
ECTOPIC PREGNANCY
What is an ectopic pregnancy?
What is the most common site?
What is the most common site for rupture?
- Implantation of a fertilised ovum outside of the uterine cavity
- Ampulla of fallopian tube
- Isthmus
ECTOPIC PREGNANCY
What are some risk factors for ectopics?
- Previous ectopic (10% recurrence rate)
- Tubal damage (PID, surgery), endometriosis, IUCD, IVF, POP
ECTOPIC PREGNANCY
What is the clinical presentation of ectopic pregnancies?
- Amenorrhoea for 6-8w
- PV bleeding (small amount, brown)
- Lower abdo (iliac fossa) pain (?referred shoulder tip pain if haemoperitoneum)
- Exam = abdo tenderness, cervical motion tenderness
ECTOPIC PREGNANCY
What are some crucial investigations for ectopics?
- EPAU = urinary beta-hCG and transvaginal USS (positive with empty uterus)
ECTOPIC PREGNANCY
What are the 3 management options for ectopics and their criteria?
- Expectant = size <35mm, unruptured, no Sx, no foetal heartbeat, hCG <1000
- Medical = size <35mm, unruptured, no major pain, no foetal heartbeat, hCG <5000
- Surgical = size ≥35mm, ruptured, pain, visible foetal heartbeat, hCG >5000
ECTOPIC PREGNANCY
What is expectant management of ectopics?
- Effectively do nothing
- Requires serial serum hCG to ensure dropping (must return for follow up)
ECTOPIC PREGNANCY
What is medical management of ectopics?
- Single dose IM 50mg/m^2 methotrexate
- Requires serial serum hCG to ensure dropping (must return for follow up)
ECTOPIC PREGNANCY
What is the surgical management of ectopics?
What else may be required?
- Lap salpingectomy = contralateral tube + ovary healthy to reduce recurrence
- Lap salpingotomy = contralateral tube defected or absent
- Anti-D for rhesus -ve
MISCARRIAGE
What is a miscarriage?
What is the epidemiology?
- Spontaneous termination of a pregnancy before 24w gestation
- 15–20% of pregnancies, no increased risk after 1 but there is after 2
MISCARRIAGE
What are some causes of miscarriage?
- 1st trimester = chromosomal abnormality (risk with increased age)
- 2nd trimester = incompetent cervix e.g., previous cervical surgery, BV in 2nd trimester
MISCARRIAGE
What are the 5 types of miscarriage?
- Threatened
- Inevitable
- Incomplete
- Complete
- Missed
MISCARRIAGE
What is a threatened miscarriage?
- Foetus alive but miscarriage may occur (majority don’t)
- Painless vaginal bleeding with closed cervical os
- TVS = viable intrauterine pregnancy
MISCARRIAGE
What is an inevitable miscarriage?
- Miscarriage will occur
- Heavy PV bleed with clots + crampy abdo pain with open cervical os
- TVS = intrauterine pregnancy
MISCARRIAGE
What is an incomplete miscarriage?
- Not all POC been passed
- PV bleed, abdo pain + open cervical os with POC in canal
- Medical or surgical Mx as infection risk
MISCARRIAGE
What is a complete miscarriage?
- Full miscarriage occurred with all foetal tissue passing
- May have been alerted by pain + bleeding, cervical os closed
- TVS = empty uterus
MISCARRIAGE
What is a missed miscarriage?
- Foetal tissue in utero but foetus no longer alive
- Asymptomatic
- TVS = non-viable intrauterine pregnancy (smaller than expected) e.g. 12w scan shows 9w foetus with no heartbeat
MISCARRIAGE
What is a blighted ovum?
- In missed miscarriage, a gestational sac >25mm but no embryonic/foetal part
MISCARRIAGE
What is a pregnancy of unknown location?
What is the management?
- No sign of intrauterine/ectopic pregnancy but positive beta-hCG
- Beta-hCG >1500 = ectopic
- If no Dx after 3 samples = expectant or methotrexate Mx
MISCARRIAGE
What are the investigations for miscarriage?
- EPAU = speculum, serum beta-hCG (serial should double every 48h) and transvaginal USS
MISCARRIAGE
What is the first line management of miscarriage?
When is it not suitable?
- Expectant (wait 7–14d)
- Increased haemorrhage risk, previous traumatic pregnancy experience or evidence of infection
MISCARRIAGE
What is the medical management of a miscarriage?
What is the follow up?
- PV misoprostol (prostaglandin analogue) with analgesia and anti-emetics
- Contact HCP if no bleeding in 24h
MISCARRIAGE
What are the options for surgical management?
- Vacuum aspiration (suction curettage) under local as OP
- Surgical management under general
MISCARRIAGE
What else may be given in the management of miscarriage?
- Anti-D to rhesus -ve women if >12w, heavily bleeding or surgical Mx
MISCARRIAGE
What is a recurrent miscarriage?
- ≥3 consecutive miscarriages in the first trimester with the same biological father
MISCARRIAGE
What are some causes of recurrent miscarriage?
- Antiphospholipid syndrome
- Hereditary thrombophilias (Factor V leiden deficiency, factor II prothrombin gene mutation, protein C/S deficiency)
- Uterine abnormalities (uterine septate)
- Endo = DM, PCOS, thyroid disease
MISCARRIAGE
What are the investigations for recurrent miscarriage?
- Lupus anticoagulant + anti-cardiolipin antibodies
- Thrombophilia screen
- Pelvic USS for structural issues
- Cytogenic analysis of POC after 3rd miscarriage
TERMINATING PREGNANCY
What is the legal framework for terminating pregnancies?
- 1967 Abortion Act
- 2 medical practitioners to sign legal document
- Only registered medical practitioner can perform in licensed premise
TERMINATING PREGNANCY
What is the management of terminating pregnancy based on the gestation?
- <9w = mifepristone (anti-progesterone) followed 48h by misoprostol
- <13w = surgical dilation and suction of uterine contents
- ≥15w = surgical dilation and evacuation of uterine contents or late medical abortion (mini-labour)
TERMINATING PREGNANCY
Where might medical termination occur?
What additional management is required after 14w?
What are some complications of termination of pregnancy?
- Outpatient remotely with Marie Stopes UK
- Cervical priming witih misoprostol or osmotic dilators
- Infection, bleeding, pain + failure
TERMINATING PREGNANCY
What is the post-termination management?
- Anti-D for Rh-ve women for any TOP
- Urinary pregnancy test 3w after to confirm complete
- Discuss contraception
- Offer counselling
HYPEREMESIS GRAVIDARUM
What is hyperemesis gravidarum thought to be related to?
What are some associations?
- Raised beta-hCG levels
- Multiple pregnancies, molar pregnancies, hyperthyroidism, DECREASED in smokers
HYPEREMESIS GRAVIDARUM
What is the clinical presentation of hyperemesis gravidarum?
Complications?
- Severe + excessive N+V > Mallory Weiss tear
- Associated with dehydration, ketosis + weight loss
HYPEREMESIS GRAVIDARUM
What is the diagnostic triad for hyperemesis gravidarum?
How is severity assessed?
What other investigations would you do?
Triad –
– >5% weight loss compared to before pregnancy
– Dehydration
– Electrolyte imbalance
- Pregnancy-Unique Quantification of Emesis (PUQE)
- Urine dipstick (ketones), MC&S (UTI), U&E
- TV USS ?molar pregnancy
HYPEREMESIS GRAVIDARUM
What would warrant admission in hyperemesis gravidarum?
- Unable to tolerate PO antiemetics or fluids
- > 5% weight loss compared to before pregnancy despite anti-emetics
- Ketones present in dipstick (++ significant)
HYPEREMESIS GRAVIDARUM
What is the anti-emetic management for hyperemesis gravidarum?
- First line = antihistamines e.g., cyclizine, promethazine
- Second line = ondansetron, metoclopramide (<5d as EPSEs)
- Can trial ginger and P6 wrist acupressure
HYPEREMESIS GRAVIDARUM
What is the general inpatient management of hyperemesis gravidarum?
- VTE prophylaxis = TED stockings + LMWH
- Monitor U&Es and give IV fluids (+KCl as vomiting)
- Vitamin supplements (incl. thiamine) to prevent Wernicke’s encephalopathy
GESTATIONAL TROPHOBLASTIC DISORDERS
What are the three types of gestational trophoblastic disorders and explain what they are?
- Complete (hydatidiform) mole = diploid trophoblast where empty egg fertilised by single sperm which duplicates its DNA so all paternal DNA
- Partial mole = triploid (XXX/XXY) trophoblast (2 sperm, 1 egg)
- Invasive = complete mole invades myometrium (metaplastic potential > choriocarcinoma which metastasises to the lungs)
HYDATIDIFORM MOLE
What are some risk factors for hydatidiform mole?
- Extremes of reproductive age
- Previous molar pregnancy
- Multiple pregnancies
- Asian women
- OCP
HYDATIDIFORM MOLE
What is the clinical presentation of hydatidiform mole?
- PV bleed in first trimester
- Uterus larger than expected for gestation
- Clinical hyperemesis gravidarum and thyrotoxicosis (hCG can mimic TSH)
HYDATIDIFORM MOLE
What are some investigations for hydatidiform mole?
- Serum beta-hCG abnormally high
- TV USS = ‘snowstorm’ appearance with mixed echogenicity
- Dx confirmed with histology of mole after evacuation
HYDATIDIFORM MOLE
What is the management for hydatidiform mole?
- Urgent referral to specialist centre for suction curettage to remove
- Surveillance = serum + urine hCG until normal
ANTENATAL CARE
What is meant by gravidity?
What is meant by parity?
What is the management of reduced foetal movements?
- Total number of PREGNANCIES
- Total number of BIRTHS ≥24w, regardless of foetal outcome
- Handheld doppler for heartbeat – USS if not heard, CTG if present
ANTENATAL APPTS
When is the first visit?
What is done?
Booking 8–12w (ideally <10w) –
- General info = diet, alcohol, smoking, folic acid + vitamin D advice, antenatal classes, family origin questionnaire
- FBC, blood group, rhesus status, haemoglobinopathies
- HIV, hep B + syphilis screening offered
- Urine MC&S for asymptomatic bacteriuria
ANTENATAL CARE
What is the recommended amount of folic acid?
What is the recommended amount of vitamin D?
- ALL 400mcg
- 5mg if – AEDs, coeliac, DM, >30kg/m^2, NTD risk
- 10 ug
ANTENATAL APPTS
When is the dating scan done?
When is the anomaly scan?
- Dating = 11–13+6w to confirm viability and assess for multiple pregnancy
- Anomaly = 18–20+6
ANTENATAL APPTS
After the anomaly scan, routine care is given.
What is routine care and when is it given?
- BP, urine dipstick and SFH ±2cm gestational age
- 25w (primis), 28w, 31w (primis), 34w, 36w, 38w, 40w (primis), 41w
ANTENATAL APPTS When is the second anaemia screen? When do you screen for gestational diabetes? When do you give anti-D prophylaxis? When do you check presentation?
- 28w
- 28w
- 28w and 34w
- 36w = offer external cephalic version if appropriate
ANTENATAL SCREENING
What are the 3 main syndromes screened for in pregnancy?
- Patau’s (trisomy 13)
- Edward’s (trisomy 18)
- Down’s (trisomy 21)
ANTENATAL SCREENING
What screening is offered in early pregnancy and when?
Combined test (11–13+6w) –
- Nuchal translucency (thickness of back of foetus’ neck on USS)
- Beta-hCG
- Pregnancy associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A)
ANTENATAL SCREENING
What results indicate higher risk for…
i) nuchal translucency?
ii) beta-hCG?
iii) PAPP-A?
i) >6mm
ii) Higher result
iii) Lower result (even lower for trisomy 13 + 18)
ANTENATAL SCREENING
What screening is offered if the mother is too late for the combined test and when?
Triple or quadruple test 15–20w but only tests for Down’s syndrome –
- Beta-hCG (high)
- Alpha-fetoprotein (low)
- Oestriol (low)
- Inhibin (quadruple, high)
ANTENATAL SCREENING What risk score would warrant further invasive tests? What are those tests? What are the risks of those tests? What other test is available privately?
- > 1:150 = screen +ve
- Amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling (CVS) if <15w
- Miscarriage, infection + failed samples
- Non-invasive prenatal testing = analyses foetal DNA in maternal blood
PLACENTA PRAEVIA
What is placenta praevia?
How is it graded?
- Placenta is inserted wholly, or in part, into the lower segment of the uterus
- I = reaches lower segment but not internal os
- II = reaches internal os but doesn’t cover
- III = covers internal os before dilation but not after
- IV = completely covers internal os
PLACENTA PRAEVIA
What are some risk factors for placenta praevia?
- Multiparity
- Multiple pregnancy
- PMHx praevia
- Lower segment scar from c-section
PLACENTA PRAEVIA
What is the clinical presentation of placenta praevia?
- PAINLESS PV bleeding, BRIGHT RED blood, shock IN proportion to visible loss
- Foetus may have abnormal lie + presentation (transverse + breech)
PLACENTA PRAEVIA
What are the investigations for placenta praevia?
- TV USS = diagnosed at 20w anomaly scan
- Rescan at 34w then 2 weekly
PLACENTA PRAEVIA
What is the management of asymptomatic placenta praevia?
- Grade I = ?vaginal delivery
- Grade III/IV = elective c-section 37–38w but if labour starts before > crash c-section
PLACENTA PRAEVIA
What is the management of placenta praevia with bleeding?
- ABCDE (2x large bore cannulae, X-match blood, IV fluids, senior) + admit
- Emergency c-section if unable to stabilise or if in labour or reached term
- Anti-D if rhesus negative
- Maternal corticosteroids if <34w gestation
PLACENTAL ABRUPTION
What is placental abruption?
What are some risk factors?
- Separation of a normally sited placenta from the uterine wall leading to bleeding
- Cocaine use, pre-eclampsia, maternal smoking, trauma
PLACENTAL ABRUPTION
What is the clinical presentation of placental abruption?
- Sudden onset severe abdo PAIN which is continuous
- PV bleeding DARK red, shock OUT of proportion to visible loss (blood can be concealed behind placenta)
- Maternal shock, abnormal CTG
- Exam = tender “woody” uterus
PLACENTAL ABRUPTION
What are the maternal and foetal complications of placental abruption?
- Shock, DIC, renal failure, PPH
- IUGR, hypoxia + death
PLACENTAL ABRUPTION
What is the general management of placental abruption?
How do you manage if the foetus is alive and <36w?
- ABCDE (2x large bore cannulas, X-match blood, IV fluids, senior) + admit
- Anti-D if mother Rh-ve
- Foetal distress = immediate c-section
- No foetal distress = admit + observe closely, corticosteroids, no tocolysis
PLACENTAL ABRUPTION
What is the management if the foetus is alive and >36w?
- Foetal distress = immediate c-section
- No foetal distress = deliver vaginally
ADHERED PLACENTA
What is a morbidly adhered placenta?
What are some risk factors?
- The chorionic villi attach to the myometrium rather than being restricted within the decidua basalis, may cause bleeding
- Previous c-section, placenta praevia
ADHERED PLACENTA
What are the different types of morbidly adhered placenta?
- Accreta = placenta invades into superficial myometrium
- Increta = placenta invades deeper through the myometrium
- Percreta = placenta invades through myometrium
ADHERED PLACENTA
What are some complications of a morbidly adhered placenta?
- Delivery risks = PPH, caesarean hysterectomy, ITU admission, infection
ADHERED PLACENTA
What are the investigations and management of a morbidly adhered placenta?
- USS + MRI useful
- Safest = elective c-section at 35–37w + abdominal hysterectomy
- Can trial uterus preserving surgery or expectant but risks
VASA PRAEVIA
What is vasa praevia?
What are some risk factors?
- Foetal vessels run near/across internal os > foetal haemorrhage
- Placenta praevia, IVF, multiple pregnancy
VASA PRAEVIA
What is the clinical presentation of vasa praevia?
- PV bleed straight after rupture of foetal membranes > rapid foetal distress
- CTG abnormalities (bradycardia) but no major maternal risk
VASA PRAEVIA
What is the management of vasa praevia?
- Elective c-section 35–36w or if membranes rupture > emergency c-section
PRE-ECLAMPSIA
What is pre-eclampsia?
- Pregnancy induced HTN (≥140/90) after 20w pregnancy + proteinuria (>0.3g on 24h collection or +) or evidence of other organ involvement
PRE-ECLAMPSIA
What is thought to be the cause of pre-eclampsia?
- Abnormal development of placenta as spiral arteries do not remodel and dilate leading to placental ischaemia + endothelial cell damage
PRE-ECLAMPSIA
What are some high risk and moderate risk factors for pre-eclampsia?
- High = previous pre-eclampsia, CKD, T1/2DM, autoimmune (SLE)
- Moderate = first pregnancy, FHx, multiple pregnancy
PRE-ECLAMPSIA
What is the clinical presentation of pre-eclampsia?
- Renal hypoperfusion = HTN, proteinuria + oliguria
- Retinal hypoperfusion = blurred vision, scotomas
- Liver = RUQ/epigastric pain
PRE-ECLAMPSIA
What are some signs of pre-eclampsia?
- Oedema (peripheral, pulmonary and cerebral)
- Ankle clonus = brisk reflexes NORMAL in pregnancy but not clonus
- Papilloedema
PRE-ECLAMPSIA
What are the two main complications in pre-eclampsia?
What are some others?
- Eclampsia + HELLP syndrome
- Haemorrhage = DIC, stroke
- Foetus = IUGR, prematurity
PRE-ECLAMPSIA
What is eclampsia?
What is the immediate seizure management?
- Generalised tonic-clonic seizures in a patient with a Dx of pre-eclampsia
- IV magnesium sulfate to prevent + treat seizures and continue for 24h after last seizure or delivery
PRE-ECLAMPSIA
What is the definitive management of eclampsia?
- Deliver the foetus
PRE-ECLAMPSIA
What needs to be monitored when giving magnesium sulfate?
How is this managed?
- Magnesium levels for toxicity
- Reduced reflexes, confusion + respiratory depression
- Calcium gluconate first line
PRE-ECLAMPSIA
What is HELLP syndrome?
How might is present?
What is the management?
- Haemolysis (raised LDH), Elevated Liver enzymes + Low Platelets
- RUQ pain, N+V
- Deliver baby
PRE-ECLAMPSIA
What should be given to women who are at risk of pre-eclampsia?
What decides if they get it?
- 75mg aspirin PO OD at 12w until birth
- ≥1 high risk factor, ≥2 moderate risk factors
PRE-ECLAMPSIA
What is the general management of pre-eclampsia?
- Admit if BP ≥160/110mmHg
- PO labetalol = first line (nifedipine if asthma)
- Can trial hydralazine but ACEi CONTRAINDICATED
- IV magnesium sulfate to prevent seizures during labour and 24h after
- Definitive management = deliver baby
PRE-ECLAMPSIA
What are the 3 other types of HTN in pregnancy conditions?
- Chronic HTN = HTN prior to pregnancy or <20w
- Gestational/pregnancy induced HTN = new HTN >20w but no proteinuria + resolves after birth
- Pre-eclampsia superimposed on chronic HTN
PRE-ECLAMPSIA
What is pre-eclampsia superimposed on chronic HTN?
- HTN + no proteinuria <20w with new onset proteinuria after 20w
- HTN + proteinuria <20w but new sudden rise in proteinuria or BP
IUGR
What is intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR)?
- Baby has not maintained its growth potential (slows or ceases)
IUGR
What are the two types of IUGR?
- Symmetrical = entire body is proportionately small, tends to be seen with chromosomal abnormalities
- Asymmetrical = undernourished foetus that is compensating by directing energy to maintain growth of vital organs like brain + heart
IUGR
What is small for gestational age (SGA)?
What can cause it?
- Estimated foetal weight (EFW) or abdominal circumference (AC) below 10th centile for their gestational age
- Constitutionally small (FHx, no pathology) or due to IUGR
IUGR
What is low birth weight?
- Baby born with a weight <2.5kg (regardless of gestational age)
IUGR
What are the main causes of IUGR?
- Placental insufficiency (#1) = pre-eclampsia, placenta accreta + abruption, malnutrition
- Non-placental mediated (foetal) = genetic abnormalities (trisomy 13/18/21, Turner’s), congenital TORCH infections
IUGR
What are some risk factors for IUGR?
- HTN
- T2DM
- Smoking
- Multiple pregnancy
IUGR
What are some complications of IUGR?
- Prematurity
- Hypoglycaemia
- Necrotising enterocolitis
- Hypothermia
- Neonatal jaundice
IUGR
If you were concerned about IUGR, what management would they get?
- Refer for serial growth scans (every 2w to assess EFW + AC) + umbilical artery doppler (check baby getting enough blood)
- Amniotic fluid volume may be reduced
- MCA doppler after 32w
IUGR
What is the management of IUGR?
- Delivery (corticosteroids if <34w) if static growth, absent end-diastolic flow on doppler or abnormal CTG
MACROSOMIA
What is large for gestational age?
What is macrosomia?
- Estimated foetal weight above the 90th centile for their gestational age
- Baby with a weight >4kg
MACROSOMIA
What are the causes of macrosomia?
- Constitutionally large
- Maternal diabetes
- Obesity
- Previous macrosomia
- Overdue
MACROSOMIA
What are some complications of macrosomia?
- Maternal = failure to progress, perineal tears, PPH
- Foetal = shoulder dystocia, neonatal hypoglycaemia, obesity
MACROSOMIA
What is the management of macrosomia?
- OGTT to screen for diabetes
- Regular growth scans to assess progress
- Check amniotic fluid index to exclude polyhydramnios